CARICOM Trade Talks: CARICOM trade ministers opened the 62nd COTED meeting in Georgetown, with Secretary-General Carla Barnett warning that energy-market shocks, higher fuel/food/fertiliser costs, and supply-chain disruptions are set to squeeze growth and food security across the region. Shipping Costs & Food Logistics: A CARISTATS/ECLAC look at maritime trade shows Caribbean freight can be far pricier than routes to distant hubs, pushing up the cost of getting food to market and feeding calls for a Barbados–Guyana regional food distribution hub. Oil & Gas Oversight: ExxonMobil and partners have deducted close to US$1B for Stabroek Block decommissioning/clean-up, while a separate report says government still lacks a say in the US$1B oil clean-up fund’s control. Wales Gas-to-Energy Delays: The Wales gas project again missed its power timeline, with officials saying one turbine should be completed by end-2026, while bus drivers protested unpaid wages. Power Utility Targets: The PUC says GPL will face no penalties for missing 2024 targets, citing incidents, software updates, and electricity theft. Food Controls Debate: A “Food Passport” concept is being built as rationing and digital permission systems, raising concerns for access and eligibility. Agriculture & Imports: No poultry import exemptions or licences have been granted since the 2023 bird flu ban. Air Cargo Boost: Cargojet Airways will start weekly non-scheduled cargo flights for DHL Express, reflecting a surge in Guyana’s air cargo demand. Infrastructure & Jobs: Public Works Minister Juan Edghill met Chinese contractors on bridge and hospital delivery, while Carifesta Avenue Road rehabilitation is progressing in phases. Crime & Courts: Ponzi scheme operators Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Ateeka Ishmael were fined and jailed after SOCU convictions. Public Safety: Police arrested a Venezuelan national after a gun was found at Prospect Housing Scheme, and two suspects were arrested in an armed robbery of a Parika engineer.